d Forces of Colombia or FARC; largest paramilitary
group is United Self-Defense Groups of Colombia or AUC

International organization participation: BCIE, CAN, Caricom
(observer), CCC, CDB, ECLAC, FAO, G- 3, G-11, G-24, G-77, IADB,
IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO,
IMF, IMO, Inmarsat, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, LAES,
LAIA, NAM, OAS, OPANAL, OPCW, PCA, RG, UN, UN Security Council
(temporary), UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO,
WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO

Diplomatic representation in the US: chief of mission: Ambassador
Luis Alberto MORENO Mejia

chancery: 2118 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008

telephone: [1] (202) 387-8338

FAX: [1] (202) 232-8643

consulate(s) general: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami,
New Orleans, New York, San Francisco, San Juan (Puerto Rico), and
Washington, DC

consulate(s): Atlanta

Diplomatic representation from the US: chief of mission: Ambassador
Anne W. PATTERSON

embassy: Calle 22D-BIS, numbers 47-51, Apartado Aereo 3831

mailing address: Carrera 45 #22D-45, Bogota, D.C., APO AA 34038

telephone: [57] (1) 315-0811

FAX: [57] (1) 315-2197

Flag description: three horizontal bands of yellow (top,
double-width), blue, and red; similar to the flag of Ecuador, which
is longer and bears the Ecuadorian coat of arms superimposed in the
center

Colombia Economy

Economy - overview: Colombia is poised for muted growth in the next
several years, marking continued recovery from the severe 1999
recession when GDP fell by about 4%. President PASTRANA's
well-respected economic team is working to keep the economy on
track, maintaining low interest rates, for example. In accordance
with its IMF loan agreement, the administration also is taking steps
to improve the public sector's fiscal health. However, many
challenges to improved prosperity remain. Unemployment was stuck at
a record 20% in 2000, contributing to the extreme inequality in
income distribution. Two of Colombia's leading exports, oil and
coffee, face an uncertain future; new exploration is needed to
offset declining oil production, while coffee harvests and prices
are depressed. The lack of public security is a key concern for
investors, making progress in the government's peace negotiations
with insurgent groups an important driver of economic performance.
Colombia is looking for continued support from the international
commun